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Derrick Rose stated that he did not know that the Chicago Bulls would trade him, but thanked them for giving him a new start as rumors are swirling that he will be very active in recruiting players in the coming free agency season and he will first start with former teammate Joakim Noah.

Derrick Rose stated that he did not know that the Chicago Bulls would trade him, but thanked them for giving him a new start as rumors are swirling that he will be very active in recruiting players in the coming free agency season and he will first start with former teammateJoakimNoah.

Rose knows that Noah is a native from New York and noted that having and playing with him for his hometown will be another run in their NBA careers. Noah ends his tenure with the Bulls and is not keen on making a comeback as he had limited playing time under coach FredHoiberg. It also seems that the feeling is mutual because if the Bulls does not match any offers for Noah, who is an unrestricted free agent, it could give them anadditionalcap space in their pursuit of another talented player in the free agency market.

There have been reports of Noah going to the MinnesotaTimberwolvesin a bid to reunite with coach TomThibodeau, but nothing is still official as the free agency starts on July 1. But one thing is certain Rose will try to snag the 31-year old center to play for theKnicksnext season. It seemed that Rose has started his recruitment as NY Post noted that Rose and Noahwere spottedinside the10akclub in Manhattan. The meeting was a casual one and twowere seenon the eve before Rose was formally introduced as aKnicksplayer.

“Oh, I want him. He knows that. I think his family knows that ” Rose said Friday at hisKnicksintro. “Even last night, I was talking to him about it. He’s in apositionwhere he got injured twice last year, it was his contract year and he has to figure out what he wants to do.”

Derrick Rose on free-agent Joakim Noah: "Oh, I want him… He knows that I want to play with him."

Aside from Rose,Knickspresident of operations, Phil Jackson has also expressed admiration for Noah’s work ethics and the energy he brings. Jackson noted that Noah is the kind of player that will for the sure best suit with his infamous triangle offense. However, Jackson and the rest of theKnickswill have to divide their salary cap to have spaceif they would choose to go after Noah.

The Knicks have a $30 million in cap space and will still have to make room if they are looking to add a point guard and another shooting guard via free agency. Although, having Noah with the Knicks will bring in leadership and would free Carmelo Anthony of any defensive pressure as both Noah and Rose can score heavily both in and out of the shaded area.

“I felt like my body held up,” Rose said. “This summer is all about conditioning and catching that rhythm. … As far as putting expectations or trying to see how many games I’ll play, there’s no point in doing that. I don’t want to jinx myself.”

For Rose, he thanked the Bulls for giving him the opportunity to make a fresh start. He is now focusing on strengthening and getting back his rhythm. With a healthy Rose in their roster and the possible addition of Noah, the Knicks are looking at a path from mediocre to a contender next season.